TheMoneyCraze

7 picks · editor's ranking

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2026

A high-yield savings account is the simplest upgrade most people can make: same FDIC protection, many times the interest of a typical big-bank savings account.

The headline rate isn't the whole story, though. Some accounts require direct deposit, monthly deposits or a minimum balance to earn the top APY. We've noted those conditions for every pick so you can choose the one you'll actually qualify for.

Last reviewed October 22, 2026

Advertiser disclosure. Some listings may include affiliate links. If you apply through one, TheMoneyCraze may be compensated at no extra cost to you. This never changes our editorial coverage. Terms change — always confirm current details with the provider. How we make money

Our picks at a glance

PickBest forAPYAction
1Peak Bank High Yield SavingsBest overall4.27%Visit site — Peak Bank High Yield Savings (opens in a new tab)
2Axos ONE SavingsHighest promotional rate5.00%Visit site — Axos ONE Savings (opens in a new tab)
3Openbank High Yield SavingsBest for $500+ balances4.35%Visit site — Openbank High Yield Savings (opens in a new tab)
4EverBank Performance SavingsBest rate on every dollar4.20%Visit site — EverBank Performance Savings (opens in a new tab)
5Happen Bank LevelUp SavingsBest for monthly savers4.20%Visit site — Happen Bank LevelUp Savings (opens in a new tab)
6SoFi Checking and SavingsBest with checking4.40%Visit site — SoFi Checking and Savings (opens in a new tab)
7Marcus Online SavingsBest no-strings big name3.50%Visit site — Marcus Online Savings (opens in a new tab)
#1Best overall

Peak Bank High Yield Savings

Peak Bank, Member FDIC

Best for: A high rate with no hoops

A high standard rate with no minimum to earn it and no promotional strings attached.

Min. to earn APY
$0
Monthly fee
$0
Term
No term
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum to earn APY
Show pros & cons
  • High standard APY
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum to earn the rate
  • $100 minimum opening deposit
  • Savings only — no checking

APY

4.27%

Reviewed Oct 22, 2026

#2Highest promotional rate

Axos ONE Savings

Axos Bank, Member FDIC

Best for: Highest rate, if you bank there too

The top rate on our list, if you're happy to bank with Axos and meet its deposit requirements.

Min. to earn APY
$0
Monthly fee
$0
Term
No term
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum to earn APY
  • Checking account available
Show pros & cons
  • Top-tier promotional APY
  • No monthly fee
  • Pairs with Axos checking
  • Top rate needs linked checking and qualifying deposits
  • Promotional rate lasts 6 months, then 4.21%

Up to 5.00% APY for 6 months with qualifying activity, then 4.21% on balances under $250,000.

APY

5.00%

Visit site — Axos ONE Savings (opens in a new tab)

Official site · not a sponsored link

Reviewed Oct 22, 2026

#3Best for $500+ balances

Openbank High Yield Savings

Openbank by Santander, Member FDIC

Best for: Backing of a global banking group

A competitive standard rate from Santander's digital bank once you have $500 deposited.

Min. to earn APY
$500
Monthly fee
$0
Term
No term
  • No monthly fee
Show pros & cons
  • Competitive APY
  • No monthly fee
  • $500 needed to earn the APY
  • Standalone savings — no checking

APY

4.35%

Reviewed Oct 22, 2026

#4Best rate on every dollar

EverBank Performance Savings

EverBank, Member FDIC

Best for: A strong rate on any balance

The same strong rate on all balances, with no minimum.

Min. to earn APY
$0
Monthly fee
$0
Term
No term
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum to earn APY
Show pros & cons
  • Competitive APY on all balances
  • No minimum to earn APY
  • Rate shown applies to new accounts

APY

4.20%

Reviewed Oct 22, 2026

#5Best for monthly savers

Happen Bank LevelUp Savings

Happen Bank (formerly LendingClub), Member FDIC

Best for: Savers who deposit every month

A top-tier rate for anyone who adds at least $250 each period.

Min. to earn APY
$0
Monthly fee
$0
Term
No term
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum to earn APY
Show pros & cons
  • High rate rewards regular saving
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum balance
  • Needs $250 in deposits each evaluation period for the top rate
  • Drops to 3.00% otherwise

4.20% APY with at least $250 in deposits during the evaluation period; 3.00% otherwise.

APY

4.20%

Reviewed Oct 22, 2026

#6Best with checking

SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC

Best for: Checking and savings in one app

A strong savings rate plus checking in one app, once you set up direct deposit.

Min. to earn APY
$0
Monthly fee
$0
Term
No term
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum to earn APY
  • Checking account available
  • Sign-up bonus
Show pros & cons
  • Checking and savings together
  • No monthly or overdraft-style account fees
  • Direct deposit bonus for new members
  • Best rate needs direct deposit or qualifying activity
  • Only 0.80% APY without qualifying activity

Up to 4.40% APY with a 6-month boost; 3.30% standard with qualifying activity; 0.80% without. Checking earns 0.50% APY.

APY

4.40%

Reviewed Oct 22, 2026

#7Best no-strings big name

Marcus Online Savings

Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Member FDIC

Best for: Simple savings from a big name

No fees, no minimums and no conditions, from Goldman Sachs.

Min. to earn APY
$0
Monthly fee
$0
Term
No term
  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum to earn APY
Show pros & cons
  • No fees or minimums
  • Backed by Goldman Sachs
  • 24/7 support
  • No checking account
  • Rate below the top online banks

APY

3.50%

Reviewed Oct 22, 2026

APYs are variable (except CDs) and can change at any time. Rates shown were published by each bank on the review date. Promotional rates may require qualifying activity and expire after a set period. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category.

How we compare accounts

Our methodology

We review each provider's published terms and compare them on what matters most. Rankings are editorial: partners can't pay for a better position, and any sponsored link is labelled. Terms change, so every entry shows the date it was last reviewed.

01

Rate

The APY you can realistically earn — and what it takes to earn it.

02

Fees & minimums

Monthly fees, minimum deposits and the balance needed for the top rate.

03

Access

Linked checking, ATM networks, branches and how easy it is to move money.

04

Safety

FDIC insurance and the clarity of promo terms and conditions.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Are high-yield savings accounts safe?

Yes, when the bank is FDIC-insured (or the credit union is NCUA-insured). Deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category.

Can the rate change?

Yes. Savings APYs are variable and tend to move with the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. Promotional rates also expire after a set period.

How much should I keep in a high-yield savings account?

It's a good home for your emergency fund and money you'll need within a few years. Money for long-term goals may be better invested.

Keep comparing

Best CD Rates of 2026Compare all accounts

Before you decide

Guides worth reading

Banking

Checking vs. Savings Accounts: How to Use Both the Right Way

Checking is for moving money; savings is for keeping it. Here's how the two accounts differ, how much to keep in each, and a simple setup that runs itself.

5 min read
Banking

Online Banks vs. Traditional Banks: What's Really Different

Online banks often pay more interest and charge fewer fees. Here's what you give up, how to check they're actually insured, and who they suit best.

5 min read
Money

How to Build an Emergency Fund (Even on a Tight Budget)

An emergency fund is what keeps a bad week from becoming a bad year. Here's how much to save, where to keep it, and a step-by-step plan to get there.

5 min read